John Baldoni thinks so. He explores “MOXIE,” five key attributes, in his most recent book using that acronym with a subtitle “The Secret to Bold and Gutsy Leadership.” Here's how he breaks the acronym down:

Baldoni will be in Fort Wayne on April 26 for the Foellinger Foundation's Ernest E. Williams Lecture.

About 400 people are expected to attend his presentation during a breakfast that starts at 8 a.m. Registration was free online through April 11, but people can call 422-2900 to see if any seats are left.

The event is for executive staff and board members of 501(c)3 public charities in Allen County.

Williams was a former editor of The News-Sentinel and a former Foellinger Foundation chairman. The lecture was launched 17 years ago.

“With a history of almost 60 years of grantmaking to Allen County nonprofits, the Foundation has learned that the most important element for a nonprofit to be successful is strong leaders,” Cheryl Taylor, president of the foundation, said in an email.

Baldoni, who is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has given a leadership presentation in Fort Wayne at least once before.

He's written 13 books, and his work has been translated into 10 different languages. In 2014, Leadership Gurus International ranked him No. 11 on its list of global leadership experts.

During a telephone interview last week, Baldoni said leadership “does not require a title, but a degree of responsibility.

“Leadership is a choice, but the sense of autonomy, initiative and responsibility, everyone in the workplace can possess that.”

And the same approaches work whether you're leading in the workplace or a nonprofit.

“Leadership is leadership regardless of the field you are in; it doesn't matter,” Baldoni said.

If you hold a title, though, you're responsible for creating conditions to help people succeed. That requires modeling the example and values you expect. It also requires listening.

Some managers make it clear “they don't want any ideas but their own,” Baldoni said.

But there's a reality that comes with idea sharing.

“Everytime you raise an idea, it doesn't mean it will be accepted, but the key is making sure people are heard,” Baldoni said.

In the end, though, leadership simply means someone is trying to make a positive difference, Baldoni said.

YLNI Boot Camp

Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana is offering a Candidate Boot Camp to help people learn what it takes to be an effective public official.

The boot camp is designed to encourage emerging leaders to think critically about civic duties, such as volunteering in a leadership role, running a political campaign, or becoming a candidate. Experienced community leaders and elected officials will share their insights.

The program will take place at Barnes and Thornburg, and is divided into four, three-hour sessions on May 10, May 17, May 24 and June 7. The cost is $50 for YLNI members and $75 for non-members.